Hernia Repair

A hernia takes place after a body part or an internal organ pushes through a loose or weak area in the tissue or muscle that houses it. Hernias are known to occur most commonly between the hips and the chest.

Frequently occurring hernias:

• Inguinal Hernia: The inguinal hernia in males is a route for the blood vessels and spermatic cords that lead to the testicles. In females, the inguinal canal houses the round ligament that provides the womb with support.  When an inguinal hernia occurs, it is associated with a part of one’s intestine and fatty tissues pushing into the groin at the upper end of the inner thigh. This type of hernia occurs more frequently than the others and is more common among males.
• Femoral Hernia:   A section of the intestine or fatty tissues pushes into the groin at the upper end of the inner thigh. Femoral hernias are more prominent in older females. They do not occur as frequently as inguinal hernias.
• Umbilical Hernia: A section of the intestine or fatty tissue makes its way past the abdomen close to the navel.
• Hiatal (hiatus) Hernia:  A section of the stomach makes its way through a hole in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.

Less Common Hernias:

• Incisional Hernia: A tissue pushes past the point of an abdominal scar. This is usually from a remote pelvic or abdominal operation.
• Epigastric Hernia:  Fatty tissue pushes past the abdominal area in between the lower region of the breastbone and the navel.
• Spigeloan Hernia: The intestine makes its way past the abdomen. This takes place at the abdominal muscle’s side, under the navel.
• Diaphragmatic Hernia: This takes place when organs located in the abdomenmake their way through a hole in the diaphragm and into the chest.

Femoral, as well as inguinal hernias take place as a result of weakness in muscles. These muscles could have been weak since one was born or decreased in strength are as one aged and they are continually strained in areas around the groin and abdomen. Factors that could be responsible for this strain include constipation, coughing frequently, pregnancy, obesity, or physical exertion. When adults have their abdominal area strained, go through childbirth, cough heavily for a long time, or are overweight, they may develop an umbilical hernia.

The reason for hiatal hernias is not absolutely clear. However, the weakening of the diaphragm due to abdominal pressure or age  could be a major factor.

Femoral or inguinal hernias make up about 75 -80% of all hernias. Ventral or incisional make up 2% and umbilical make up 3-10%.

Umbilical hernias has its effect on 10-20% of babies. A good number of them are known to close up on their own when the child is up to 5 years old.

When there is a hernia in the groin or abdomen, there could be a visible bulge or lump. This lump can become unnoticable when one is lying down. Also, it can be pushed back. When one strains while movement in the bowel is ongoing, while taking part in physical activities, while coughing, crying, or laughing, the lump could surface again even after its been pushed in.

Other signs that one could be dealing with a hernia are:

• Bulge or swelling in the scrotum or groin
• An increase in the pain felt around the bulge
• A feeling of pain during lifting
• An increase in the size of the bulge with time
• A dull painful feeling
• A feeling of fullness

When people are suffering from hiatal hernias, there are no visible bulges. However, they may experience symptoms such as chest pain, continuous regurgitation, issues with swallowing, indigestion, and heartburn.

Physical examination can help you feel or spot a part of the body where a hernia has taken place. When looking out for inguinal hernias, a doctor examines the groin and surrounding areas. Also, they tell the person being examined to cough.  Other times, CT scan and other soft-tissue imaging can help in diagnosing the condition accurately.

If you suspect you may have a hernia, you should not hesitate getting help. The only time a hernia disappears by itself is in umbilical hernias in children. When left untreated, a hernia will most likely not get better. With time, a hernia could become bigger and more painful. Also, the likelihood of complications in more significantly increased. Repairing a hernia early is generally more successful. This is in addition to the fact that you tend to recover better.

The first step on treating hernia is to pay a visit to your GP.  If a surgical process will be needed for the hernia to be fixed, your primary care giver will recommend a general surgeon.

Types of hernia surgery:

• Open Surgery: In this type of surgery, an incision is made the point where the hernia is located. The pushed out tissue is put back into its position and the already weak muscle wall is fixed. There are times a form of mesh gets put into the area. This mesh offers additional support.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: This involves repairs just like open surgery. In this method, however, there is no cut outside the abdomen. Instead, surgical equipment are inserted through small incisions and the process is carried out.

There are pros and cons with each approach. The surgeon is in the position to decide the most appropriate approach for every situation.

Some of the complications that could result from femoral or inguinal hernia when left untreated are:

• Obstruction:  A section of the intestine gets trapped in the inguinal canal. This usually causes a lump in the groin, stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea.
• Strangulation: A section of the intestine gets trapped and this leads to blood supply being cut off. In this situation, to ensure no death occurs, emergency surgery should be carried out in a couple of hours.

To prevent hernia it is recommended you:

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise
• Prevent constipation by feeding on whole grains, vegetables, and fruits
• Lift heavy objects or weights with the right form. Also, do not lift over your limit
• When you feel ill and are coughing persistently, you should visit a doctor